SOUTH RIVER — Last week’s election represented a double win for Republicans seeking to hold office in the borough.
Current Borough Councilman Jim Hutchison was re-elected and former Councilman John Trzeciak also secured a win. The two Republicans defeated the Democratic team of incumbent Matthew Vaughn, who is currently serving as council president, and newcomer Jack Alai.
Hutchison and Trzeciak secured 1,628 votes and 1,618 votes, respectively. Vaughn garnered 1,275 votes, while Alai secured 1,222.
The GOP victory comes a year after voters put two Democrats — Shawn Haussermann and Jim Jones — on the council.
“John [Trzeciak] and I were humbled by the election results, and we thank all those voters that have placed their trust in both of us for the next three years,” Hutchison said.
Hutchison has been the sole Republican on the council this year, serving alongside five Democrats and Republican Mayor John Krenzel.
Hutchison said he felt this year’s election was a “180-degree swing from what happened in 2012.” He said residents, business owners and nonprofit organization members delivered a strong message by voting for the Republicans after a period of Democratic control.
“Additionally, our campaign message was consistent and all voting districts responded in a positive way — even those that are traditionally strong for the Democrats,” he said.
Krenzel also said he was happy with the outcome.
“I am pleased that the citizens of South River realized that the town is heading in the wrong direction and voted to put the town back on the right track,” the mayor said.
Hutchison said he feels the election went in the Republicans’ favor because he and Trzeciak communicated to voters that they would “focus on issues that would be good for South River, and also would look for bipartisan council agreements to address those issues.”
Hutchison has been outspoken at council meetings this year about the absence of a Republican on the council’s budget committee.
Though the Democrats will still have a council majority next year, Hutchison said having a second Republican on the council will help in making bipartisan decisions.
“Republicans are prepared to work with all existing members of the council to move South River forward,” he said.
Also at the polls, voters had the opportunity to vote for new South River Board of Education members. Four candidates ran for three available three-year terms. Incumbent Kevin J. Nielsen received the most votes with 1,523; John Budzin was second with 1,208; and incumbent Cynthia Urbanik garnered 1,167. Cheryl Beck was unsuccessful with 1,160 votes.
A two-year unexpired term went to Cristiane San Miguel, who ran unopposed after being appointed to the board earlier this year. The vacancy resulted from the death of board member Peggy Marino.